SBI Lifetime Free Credit Cards: eligibility, benefits and application process

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SBI Lifetime Free (LTF) credit cards mean a credit card with no joining fee and no annual fee. The SBI lifetime free credit card is ideal for users who want a no-cost credit card with decent rewards and benefits.

Currently, SBI offers only one card, the SBI Unnati card, which has no joining or renewal fee. Other cards that are sometimes offered as lifetime free credit cards under promotions are the SBI Simply CLICK Credit Card, SBI Simply SAVE Credit Card, and SBI IRCTC Platinum Credit Card.

SBI Unnati Credit Card

  • Joining Fee: ₹ 0
  • Best Suited: Shopping
  • Renewal Fee: ₹ 0 (Free for first 4 years)
  • Reward Type: Rewards on Spends
  • Milestone Rewards: Receive ₹500 Cashback, within 15 days of achieving annual spends of ₹50,000 or more.
  • Surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
Apply Now

The key features of the lifetime free SBI Unnati credit card are listed below.

  1. Lifetime Free Credit Card
    • No Joining Fee
    • No Annual Fee (for 4 years)
  2. Welcome Benefits: 5,000 Reward Points on spending ₹50,000 within 90 days of card issuance (worth ₹1,250).
  3. Reward Points: Earn 4 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on online spends (excluding fuel, insurance, utility, and EMI transactions). Earn 2 Reward Points per ₹100 on all other spends (excluding fuel, insurance, utility, and EMI transactions). 10X Reward Points on online spends with partner brands (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Swiggy, Zomato, etc.).
  4. Milestone Benefits: 5,000 Bonus Reward Points on spending ₹2 Lakh in a year.
  5. Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver (minimum transaction of ₹500, max waiver of ₹250 per month).
  6. Easy EMI Conversion: Convert big purchases into No-Cost EMIs (0% interest) at partner stores.
  7. Contactless Payments: Tap & Pay feature for secure and fast transactions.
  8. Complimentary Airport Lounge Access: 4 free domestic lounge accesses per year (with minimum spend of ₹50,000 in the previous quarter).
  9. Insurance & Security Benefits: Fraud Liability Cover up to ₹1 Lakh (for unauthorized transactions). Purchase Protection & Extended Warranty on eligible purchases.
  10. Other Benefits: Discounts & Offers on dining, shopping, and travel via SBI Card’s partner network. 24×7 Customer Support and SBI Card App for easy management.

What are the other SBI credit cards that are sometimes offered as lifetime free credit cards or have a joining fee under Rs. 500?

The other SBI credit cards that are sometimes offered as lifetime free credit cards or have a joining fee under Rs. 500 are listed below.

SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card

SBI-SimplyCLICK-Credit-Card
  • Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
  • Renewal Fee: ₹499 + GST
  • Best Suited: Shopping
  • Reward Type: Rewards on Spends
  • Welcome Benefits: Amazon Gift Card Worth ₹500
Apply Now

The key features of the SBI SimplyClick Credit Card are listed below.

  • Welcome bonus: ₹500 Amazon gift voucher
  • Additional bonus: ₹2000 Cleartrip vouchers on spending ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh milestones
  • Rewards:
    • Up to 10x reward points on popular online merchants like BookMyShow, Dineout, Apollo 24×7, Cleartrip, Lenskart, Netmeds
    • 5x reward points on other online spends
    • 1 reward point per ₹100 on offline spends (excluding fuel)
  • Benefits: 1% fuel surcharge waiver and spend-based renewal fee waiver

The SBI SimpliClick Credit Card is best suited for online shoppers and new cardholders looking for strong rewards on digital purchases.

SBI SimplySave Credit Card

  • Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
  • Renewal Fee: ₹499 + GST
  • Best Suited: Shopping
  • Reward Type: Rewards on Spends
  • Welcome Benefits: 2,000 Reward Points on Spending ₹2,000 in the First 60 Days
Apply Now

The key features of the SBI SimplySave Credit Card are listed below.

  • Welcome bonus: 2000 reward points on spending ₹2000 within 60 days
  • Joining fee: ₹500
  • Rewards:
    • 1 reward point per ₹150 spent
    • Up to 10 reward points per ₹150 spent on groceries, movies, and departmental stores
  • Benefits: 1% fuel surcharge waiver, renewal fee waiver based on spending

All these features make the SBI SimplySave Credit Card ideal for new credit card users who focus on daily spending and do not require premium travel or dining perks.

SBI IRCTC Platinum Credit Card

IRCTC-SBI-Platinum-Credit-Card.png
  • Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
  • Renewal Fee: ₹300
  • Best Suited: Frequent railway travelers
  • Reward Type: Rewards on Spends
  • Welcome Benefits: ₹350 bonus reward points on card activation
Apply Now

The key features of the SBI IRCTC Platinum Credit Card are listed below.

  • Welcome benefit: 350 reward points (₹350 value) after ₹500 spend within 45 days.
  • Rewards: 10% value-back in points on AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC Chair Car ticket bookings via IRCTC.
  • Earn 1 reward point per ₹125 spent on non-fuel retail and IRCTC railway ticket purchases.
  • 4 complimentary railway lounge accesses annually.
  • 1% transaction fee waived on railway ticket bookings

The SBI IRCTC Platinum Credit Card is ideal for frequent railway travelers looking for travel-focused rewards and savings.

What are the eligibility requirements for a lifetime free SBI credit card?

The eligibility requirements to get an SBI debit card are listed below.

  • Age: 21 to 70 years
  • Citizenship: Indian Resident or Non-Resident Indian (NRI)
  • Employment Status: Salaried, self-employed, retired pensioner, or student with a stable income
  • Credit Score: A score of 700 or above is preferred
  • Income: Minimum annual income of ₹2 lakh for salaried and self-employed individuals

What are the document requirements for a lifetime free SBI credit card?

The document requirements for a lifetime free SBI credit card are listed below.

  • Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driving license.
  • Address Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, utility bills (not older than 3 months), or rental agreement.
  • Income Proof:
    • Salaried: Latest 1–2 months’ salary slips and bank statements.
    • Self-employed: Latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) and business financial statements.
  • Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo.

What are the benefits of SBI lifetime free credit cards?

The key benefits of SBI Lifetime Free (LTF) Credit Cards are listed below.

  • Ideal for Beginners: The SBI Unnati Lifetime free credit card is ideal for first-time credit card users to build a credit history without worrying about fees.
  • No Annual Fees Ever: You don’t have to pay any renewal or annual fees for life, making it cost-effective.
  • Reward Points on Everyday Spending: Earn reward points or cashback on common spends like groceries, dining, online shopping, and fuel.
  • Welcome Bonuses: Many LTF cards offer bonus reward points or vouchers when you activate or spend a minimum amount early on.
  • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Generally, SBI credit cards provide a 1% waiver on fuel surcharge, saving you on petrol/diesel expenses.
  • Discounts and Cashback: Attractive offers on popular merchants, dining, entertainment, and travel platforms.
  • Easy Eligibility: Generally targeted at salaried and self-employed individuals with stable income, making it accessible for many users.
  • Basic Travel & Lifestyle Benefits: Some cards include complimentary movie tickets, dining discounts, and limited lounge access.

How to apply for an SBI lifetime free credit card?

To apply for an SBI lifetime free credit card, you can choose from three different available options, including online, offline, and the YONO App. The steps to apply using all 3 ways are listed below.

1. Apply Online

To apply for an SBI credit card online, follow the steps listed below.

  1. Visit the Official SBI Card Website: Go to the SBI Card e-Apply page.
  2. Select Your Card: Choose a lifetime free card like the SBI Card Unnati or SimplySAVE SBI Card.
  3. Fill in the Application Form: Provide your personal, contact, and employment details.
  4. Submit the Form: Click ‘Submit‘ to receive an instant decision on your application.
  5. Track Your Application: Use the Track Application feature to monitor the status.

2. Apply Offline (Optional)

To apply for an SBI credit card offline, follow the steps listed below.

  • Visit the Nearest SBI Branch: Go to your local SBI branch.
  • Submit Application and Documents: Fill out the application form and provide the necessary documents.
  • Verification Process: The SBI bank verifies your details and processes your application.

3. Apply via YONO SBI (Optional)

To apply for an SBI credit card offline, follow the steps listed below.

  • Download the YONO SBI App: Install the YONO SBI app on your smartphone.
  • Navigate to Credit Cards Section: Find the credit cards section within the app.
  • Select and Apply: Choose your desired lifetime free (LTF) credit card and complete the application process.

How can I check my SBI credit card balance and available credit limit?

You can check your SBI credit card balance and available credit limit through the website, mobile app, missed call service, and SMS. The right way to get this information is listed below.

  • SBI Card Website: Log in to your account at sbicard.com and navigate to the ‘Account Summary‘ section.
  • SBI Card Mobile App: Open the app and check the ‘Summary’ tab for your balance and available credit limit.
  • Missed Call Service: Give a missed call to 8655024105 from your registered mobile number to receive an SMS with your balance details.
  • SMS: Send an SMS with the text “BAL” followed by the last four digits of your card number to 5676791.

How can I redeem my SBI credit card reward points?

You can redeem your SBI credit card reward points through the website, mobile app, phone banking, and through partner merchants.

  • SBI Card Website: Log in to your account and navigate to the ‘Rewards’ section to redeem points for various options.
  • SBI Card Mobile App: Open the app and go to the ‘Rewards’ tab to redeem points.
  • Phone Banking: Call the SBI Card helpline to redeem your points.
  • Partner Offers: Redeem points for discounts or vouchers with SBI Card’s partner merchants.

How can I block my SBI credit card if it’s lost or stolen?

If your SBI credit card is lost or stolen, you can call the SBI helpline number, log in to the mobile app or website, and report it from the “Report Lost Card” section.

  • Call the Helpline: Immediately call the SBI Card helpline at 1860 180 1290 to report the loss and block your card.
  • SBI Card App: Use the ‘Report Lost Card’ feature in the mobile app to block your card.
  • SBI Card Website: Log in to your account and use the ‘Report Lost Card’ option under the ‘Service Request’ section.

What is the process and timeline for SBI credit card approval?

The process and timeline to apply for an SBI credit card through the website, completing video KYC, and receiving approval takes around 7 to 10 days.

What are the common SBI Credit Card charges?

The common SBI credit card charges are listed in the table below.

Fee TypeCharges (₹) / Details
Finance Charges3.75% per month (45% p.a.) for unsecured cards;
2.75% per month (33% p.a.) for Shaurya, Defence, Secured cards.
Late Payment ChargesUp to ₹1300 based on outstanding amount (₹400 for ₹500-₹1000, ₹750 for ₹1000-₹10,000, etc.) + ₹100 penalty if MAD missed for 2 consecutive cycles.
Joining/Annual FeeVaries by card (₹499 to ₹10,000 for premium cards like SBI Aurum).